Full-weight, high-relief portrait strike, crisp legends and exceptional for the type Nero (AD 54–68). AV Aureus, Rome, AD 66–67. Obv: IMP NERO CAESAR AVGVSTVS, laureate head of Nero right. Rev: SALVS, Salus seated left on an ornate throne, holding patera; S-ALVS in exergue. Weight: 7.41 g Diameter: 18.8 mm References: RIC 66 (R2); Calicó 445; BMC 94; Paris 236; Cohen 31. This aureus of Nero, struck in the final phase of his reign, presents an exceptionally bold and sculptural portrait, far superior in relief and engraving strength to the majority of known examples of the scarce SALVS type. The emperor’s distinctive late-Neronian physiognomy , the fleshy chin, full lower face, and heavily layered coiffure, is rendered with remarkable three-dimensionality, showing a depth of engraving rarely preserved in surviving specimens. The laurel wreath is crisply articulated, with individually defined leaves and clear strand separation across the hair. A further highlight of this coin is the unusually sharp and angular lettering, both on the obverse and reverse. Nero’s late aurei frequently show soft or partially blunted legends due to worn or fatigued dies; here, the legends remain clean, crisp, and deeply struck, with well-preserved interior angles. This level of clarity places the piece well above average for the type, and significantly enhances its numismatic desirability. The reverse depicts Salus enthroned, executed with a well-preserved series of vertical and horizontal architectural elements in the throne structure. The figure’s drapery folds remain distinct, and the patera is clearly outlined. For a type often seen with weak reverse centers, this example exhibits strong definition throughout, with especially pronounced detail in the throne legs and footrest. The reverse fields are smooth, untouched by modern tooling, and free of casting anomalies. At 7.41 grams, this specimen stands at the upper end of the aureus standard, confirming it as a full-weight and fully solid gold issue, consistent with Nero’s exceptionally high fineness (typically 23.5–24k). The coin bears discreet traces of historical mounting along the edge, a common fate of ancient gold coins used as personal ornaments, but these marks do not intrude upon the portrait, reverse figure, or legends, and do not detract from the coin’s overall visual impact. The central details on both sides remain remarkably intact. Examples of this calibre compare closely to the Gemini XII, Lot 343 aureus (7.27 g; EF), which opened at USD 9,600, differing mainly by the absence of old mount traces. In terms of strike, relief and die style, the present specimen stands very near the level of that high-grade offering, with an arguably sharper portrait. Condition: Obverse: Extremely Fine for the type, with exceptional portrait relief and crisp legends. Reverse: Near EF, well-struck with strong definition in throne and figure. Surfaces: Attractive, stable ancient gold with no signs of modern alteration; minor historical edge-mount traces. A highly desirable Nero aureus, superior in portrait engraving and legend clarity to the majority of Calicó 445 examples, and a specimen that would sit comfortably in an advanced Roman gold cabinet. Shipment only within EU with full insurance!!!